Q&A with Vermont Representative Kesha Ram

by Lindsay Talbot

Last year, Kesha Ram was president of the University of Vermont's Student Government Association. This year, she was elected to serve in Vermont's House of Representatives. Not bad, considering she's only 22-years-old. Teen Vogue recently caught up with the young Democrat to see how she got involved, what her new job's going to entail, and what issues she's going to prioritize while in office.What was it that first got your interested in politics?At a very young age, my parents instilled in me the importance of engaging in the political process and giving back to the community. The first political office I held was as the Student Council President of my elementary school! As I grew older, I discovered that being a voice for the voiceless in our society was my calling. As a student at the University of Vermont (UVM), I traveled all over the state to document environmental health concerns affecting communities--lead poisoning and the refugee population, a lack of clean drinking water in mobile homes, a degraded quality of life around old mining sites. This led me to introduce legislation that would expand environmental health protection in the state.

How exactly did you get to where you are today?I've been in many roles of leadership and service: I have been an activist, a campus and community organizer, a political advocate, and a columnist. As a senior in college, I served as the Student Government Association (SGA) President at UVM. On top of representing and supporting nearly 10,000 people, I oversaw a budget of $1.4 million and 150 student organizations. The district I now represent includes many of the same young people, as 60 percent of my constituents are between the age of 18 and 25. Youth engagement was catalyzed by Barack Obama's presence in the presidential election, and I think that having a peer running for local office and speaking to our generation's concerns made my supporters feel empowered to be a part of change.

What's your new job going to entail?I'll be serving as one of 150 representatives in the Vermont Legislature. Vermont has a citizens' legislature (as opposed to a professional year-round legislature) so our term is two years and we are in session for half of the year for each of those two years. During the legislative session, my job entails crafting my own bills or casting my vote for legislation that will affect the entire state. In and out of session, my job also involves addressing the individual needs of my constituents by connecting them to state resources and helping them channel their voices effectively.

What issues are most important to you? What do you plan to get done while in office?Our generation needs strong voices in government to ensure our future is just, sustainable, and bright. I plan to advance the issues that demonstrate a commitment to and investment in our future. Connecting the dots between climate change and economic growth through the creation of green jobs and the expansion of alternative energy production is a priority for me. I'll also work hard to address the rising costs of education, as many of students are being priced out of the opportunity to earn a college degree.

How can other young Americans get involved in politics?To all young Americans: speak up! You're privileged to be in a nation where your voice and vote matter, so use them and use them wisely. Also, get connected and build your social networks to advance the issues that matter to you. Remember, online social networking in the form of Facebook, MySpace, and blogging is one way to engage, but it cannot replace the connection made when you look into someone's eyes and tell them what you want to improve in this world. Finally, run for office at your school or in your community. Seriously! No matter what happens, you will have earned the respect of your peers and neighbors, and you'll help our generation regain its voice in our democracy.